Q&A for How to Write an Appropriate Letter to Someone in Jail or Prison

Cash would be of little use for an inmate beyond bribing a guard or staff member, as all transactions come from the money on an account linked to an inmate.

It depends on the state and how vindictive they are feeling in the prison. In general, no, but I wouldn't risk it if you aren't willing to lose contact with the inmate.

Yes, you can, although there's no guarantee the inmate will be able to keep them.

If he is your favorite, tell him that. Tell him you hope he is doing okay and that he is in your thoughts. He'll also probably want to hear about how you're doing and what you've been up to with his son/daughter.

This could easily cause tension between the prisoners, so it would be best if you politely tell one of the prisoners (without using names or any other identifiers), that you cannot write to him anymore because you are writing to someone else in the same prison.

Most prisons allow this, as most prisoners need to put phone numbers on their personal call list.

You could hand-write or type your letter. Either method is fine.

There are probably rules against this, as it could be considered inciting or encouraging violence.

Yes. I mail my inmate cards in colored envelopes all the time. I don't think the envelope color matters at all.

You are allowed to send photos and artwork to inmates as long as they are not pornographic or sexually explicit.

That's probably okay, but you might wish to check with the inmate's attorney if s/he has one.

You can send photographs to inmates as long as they are not sexually explicit such as nude photos or pornographic artwork.

Yes, you can send birthday cards as long as they don’t have an electronic component like a voice box.

You can write the letter in any form of writing materials that you want as long as the letter is legible and follows the prison guidelines.

Yes, if you send items that are prohibited such as drugs or weapons to an inmate, you can face criminal charges for attempting weapons or drug smuggling.

Yes, you are permitted to put a photo in a letter to a prisoner. However, don’t send any nude or sexually revealing photos to an inmate.

You can write a letter to a prisoner in any format that you wish, as long as you follow the proper guidelines.

Outside food is often prohibited from being mailed to inmates. The main reason why food cannot be sent to inmates is because outside food can be used to smuggle drugs and other contraband.

Yes, you can put a phone number in your letter so your friend can call you.

No, if you want to send a letter to an inmate, then you must obtain their ID number. You can get their number by asking the prison for the inmate’s number.

Start your letter to your cousin by saying that you are their younger/older cousin that they have never met before and that you would like to write to them. Another thing you could do is write your phone number so they can call you.

Don’t write any descriptions of the use construction of weapons or about sex and drug use. If you send any letters that depict anything inappropriate, your letter will get confiscated.

If it is true, sure! If you knew them before go ahead. However, if you have only written to them, consider the impact this may have on both of you after they are released.

Only cards without chips, as they can be used to hurt someone.

Yes. The child may tell the guards to not allow them inside the prison.

Not all prisons will accept greeting cards, so it’s best to check the prison rules on this before spending your money and effort on one. A letter may be easier.